Linguistics: An Introduction - Hardcover

Radford, Andrew; Atkinson, Martin; Britain, David; Clahsen, Harald; Spencer, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052147261X ISBN 13: 9780521472616

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1999

Synopsis

This textbook is a self-contained introduction to linguistics for beginning students. It offers a unified approach to language from several perspectives. A language is a complex structure represented in the minds of its speakers, and this book introduces the tools necessary for understanding this structure. In addition, it focuses on how small children acquire their native language; the psychological processes which are involved in mature speakers producing and understanding language; linguistic difficulties that arise as a consequence of brain damage or genetic disorders; and additional issues that arise when we consider individual speakers as part of a social community.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew Radford is Professor and Head of Department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex.

Review

"This introduction, by some of the most distinguished linguists today, should rapidly become the market leader. Instead of offering the usual catalogue of unconnected topics, the authors of this introduction cover each of the major areas of language--sounds, words and sentences--from several viewpoints at once, which gives a unified account of the field with unparalleled clarity and elegance. Each section is complemented by exercises which are at once challenging, illuminating and entertaining." Neil Smith, University College London

"A competent and well-focused introduction. Pays much attention to grammar, sounds, and the lexicon, but is also very informative and up-to-date about acquisition, disorders, and language as a social institution. Recommended for both classroom use and for a general readership." Jan G. Kooij, Leiden University

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 052147261X
• ISBN 13: 9780521472616
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 454